Gasoline Pipeline Rupture and Explosion at Whatcom Creek: A Focus on Response Management

ABSTRACT Safety for the public and responders was the first priority in responding to the estimated 231,000 gallons unleaded gasoline release and explosion that killed three boys in Whatcom Park in Bellingham, Washington and devastated the environment. Establishment of the Unified Command structure was critical to manage the vast resources and multitude of issues that arose in the wake of the release to Hannah and Whatcom Creeks on June 10, 1999. The pollution response, investigations, infrastructure rebuilding, natural resource (trustee) restoration, and community outreach/public information were completed with funds from the potentially responsible party (PRP), Olympic Pipe Line (OPL), as mandated by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Goals evolved as projects changed from fire and explosion emergencies to time critical environmental emergencies. Bellingham's drinking water capacity was restored, and initial restoration of the creeks was completed in time for the August salmon runs. Ongoing activities inclu...